WHY IS OUR HAPPINESS SLIPPING?
Dr. Debi Gilmore LMFT
The World Happiness Report was recently released and showed an alarming drop in the well-being of US citizens. Particularly concerning is that the greatest decline was in those below 30 years of age. Those in the category of mid-life (ages 30 to 45) experienced the greatest drop in overall life satisfaction. The trend to greater life satisfaction seems to grow upward as adults reach the “second half” of their life. This is typically because the stresses of career, raising young children, and other challenges of mid-life naturally take a toll on our well-being. However, there is a definite and steady decline in the US. Across the globe, the US ranked 24th in the list, whereas we used to rank at least in the top 20. If you only looked at those aged 30 or less, the US wouldn’t even rank in the top 60 of the happiest countries. What is going on?
With a special focus on mental and emotional health, we might ask “What is missing for those who rate so low in life satisfaction?” Interestingly, studies on this phenomenon are finding concerning patterns and those patterns provide solid answers to the question, “What is missing…” When participants in the study were asked if they feel their life has important purpose or meaning, they reported feeling like their daily activities were mundane and boring. Many reported being heavily focused on success in their career or building their financial worth.
The study found strong correlation between richer nations and a resistance toward faith, religion, spirituality, and rituals such as prayer, pondering, and self-reflection. Study participants in higher-income nations were asked, “Do you feel your life has an important purpose or meaning?” They typically responded that they had little or no faith conviction, and had intentionally rejected religion as an important part of their lives.
The Global Flourishing Study exposed specific examples of what may be contributing to the decline in overall happiness within the US. Here is a brief list of things you can do to improve your overall well-being:
1. Prioritize relationships with family and close friends. When possible, avoid connecting with technology and choose face-to-face contact. Humans have a universal need to connect and interact with each other in person.
2. Consider developing your internal world, and expanding your level of spirituality. Research shows that those who have a higher level of spiritual awareness report feeling generally happier in their daily life. This means exploring ways to connect with the spirit in prayerful pondering, working to define the meaning and purpose of life. It means slowing down and exploring “who you are.” Ponder on and develop an awareness of what your unique mission and vision of life can be. Who are you destined to become? What impact can you have on the world, and in what ways might you light the way toward greater happiness for someone else? Work to touch another life each and every day of your life, and notice the moments of joy and fulfillment that naturally follow such experiences.
3. While financial success and material comforts are great, solid research shows this doesn’t buy happiness and fulfillment. Recent studies reveal the danger of forgetting the power of relationships, spirituality, and regular doses of selfless service to others. We most definitely make painful sacrifices to increase our stock portfolio and financial holdings. Re-examine your priorities and challenge yourself to expend the same energy and sacrifice to rebalance your daily focus.
Sometimes the results of peer reviewed and proven data offers us a wakeup call that can transform our world if we ask how it applies to us personally. Are you willing to examine your world, and make the changes that will enhance your happiness?
Helliwell, J. F., Layard, R., Sachs, J. D., & De Neve, J.-E. (Eds.). (2025). World happiness report 2025. Sustainable Development Solutions Network. https://worldhappiness.report/DOI: 10.18724/whr-nkm9-5m31
